At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the dim sum kitchen, creating and serving high-quality Cantonese dishes.
- Company: Estelle Manor, an award-winning country house hotel with a focus on genuine connections.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a passionate team and innovate within a high-end culinary space.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious team and showcase your culinary skills in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Estelle Manor is an award-winning country house hotel and private members’ club set within a Grade II-listed landmark house on an 85-acre estate in Oxfordshire, surrounded by over 3,000 acres of parkland and gardens. The property features 108 rooms, four restaurants, extensive members’ spaces, a workspace, gym and studio, padel courts, and a kids’ club. It is home to Eynsham Baths, a 3,000 sq m Roman-inspired bathhouse and spa with thermal pools, treatment suites, and an open-air hideaway. Guests and members can enjoy country pursuits such as fly fishing on Blenheim Palace’s lake and falconry walks through ancient woodland. As part of Estelle Community, founded by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, Estelle Manor is built around discretion, sophistication, and timelessness, creating spaces and experiences that prioritise genuine human connection.
The Head Dimsum Chef will lead the dim sum kitchen, overseeing menu development, preparation, and service of high-quality dim sum and related Cantonese dishes. This full-time, on-site role in North Leigh involves managing daily kitchen operations, including planning production, supervising a dim sum team, and ensuring consistent execution of recipes and presentation standards. The Head Dimsum Chef will be responsible for sourcing ingredients, managing inventory, controlling food costs, and maintaining rigorous food safety and hygiene practices. They will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and restaurant leadership to design seasonal offerings, support special events, and align the dim sum experience with Estelle Manor’s overall culinary vision. The role also includes training, mentoring, and scheduling team members, as well as fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance kitchen culture.
Qualifications
- Extensive professional experience in dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, including mastery of key techniques such as dumpling making, bun preparation, steaming, and wok cooking.
- Proven experience in a senior kitchen role (e.g., Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Dim Sum Chef) in high-end hotels, restaurants, or members’ clubs.
- Strong menu development skills, with the ability to balance tradition and innovation while maintaining consistency and quality at scale.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, including training, mentoring, scheduling, and performance management of kitchen teams.
- Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations, and best practices, with relevant certifications preferred.
- Ability to manage ordering, stock control, and food cost to meet financial targets without compromising quality.
Head dimsum chef employer: Estelle Manor
Estelle Manor is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of luxury and community within its stunning Oxfordshire estate. With a commitment to employee growth, the Head Dimsum Chef will thrive in a supportive environment that values creativity and collaboration, while enjoying access to top-notch facilities and a vibrant work culture that prioritises genuine connections. The opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team and craft exquisite dim sum dishes in a prestigious setting makes this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head dimsum chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Estelle Manor. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Estelle Manor
Don't be shy about reaching out to Estelle Manor directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head dimsum chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Estelle Manor and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Estelle Manor
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
